Thursday, May 21, 2009

Take Advantage of Memorial Day Recess and Meet with Your Members of Congress

Members of Congress will be in their home states and districts during recess, May 25-29th, making them accessible to you, their constituents. It is up to you to tell you members of Congress how federal legislation will affect your organization and the people you support and employ. A great way to personalize issues is to introduce them to individuals you support, their families, and Direct Support Professionals. Bring them to your meetings with your members of Congress and have them help tell your story.
There are two great ways to reach out to your members of Congress during recess:

  • Schedule a meeting with them in their state and district offices -- Use ANCOR's talking points and Advocacy Tool Kit to help get your message to Washington;
  • Attend a town hall meeting hosted by your Representatives or Senators. If your members of Congress are holding town hall meetings, you will receive a notice from ANCOR.

Issues currently being addressed in Washington to discuss with your members of Congress include:

  • Supporting health care and long-term supports and services reform-including the Community Choice Act (H.R. 1670 and S. 683), the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act--CLASS Act (H.R. 1791 and S. 697), and the Empowered at Home Act (S. 434)
  • Opposing The Employee Free Choice Act--Card Check Bill (H.R. 1670 and S. 683)
  • Supporting the Direct Support Professional Fairness and Security Act (H.R. 868)
  • Supporting Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act (H.R. 1675)

Click here for talking points and more information about these topics.

Visit ANCOR's Advocacy Tool Kit for Information on: